Pastoral Council at Saint Helen

Town: Mountainside

Family: Married; two children

Occupation: Attorney

Parish Member Since: 2005

Since joining the Parish Community of Saint Helen, Joseph has worked with parish staff and parishioners to start the Young Adult Ministry, launch the first parish-wide small group program series, and help organize the parish’s first Community Day. Additionally, Joseph has been a group leader for the Christlife series, a Cornerstone candidate and team member, and has served on the board of directors for Sister Pat’s Kids Camp. Joseph currently serves as a team member on the parish’s Message Series Ministry. He enjoys coaching youth sports, running marathons, and participating in parish service projects and activities with his family. The Parish Community of Saint Helen has been an incredible blessing in Joseph’s life and he looks forward to serving the spiritual needs of all parishioners by following the parish’s mission to worship God, serve others, and make disciples.

Town: Westfield

Family: Married; three children

Occupation: Preschool Teacher

Parish Member Since: 2000

Jenn began her involvement in Saint Helen faith formation as her children moved through the religious education program. She taught in the program and helped organize and run many events for the students over the years - the birthday party for Jesus, the Easter party for Jesus, the 2nd grade retreats for the students as they prepared to receive Jesus in First Holy Eucharist, to name a few. She was also involved in planning events for the year-long celebration of the parish’s 50th Anniversary. Jenn and her family knew as soon as they moved to Westfield and attended Mass at Saint Helen, they had found a special place, one that has a “family feel” and makes everyone feel welcome.

Town: Fanwood

Family: Married; two children

Occupation: CEO of Our House, Inc. (an organization that supports adults with I/DD) 

Parish Member Since: 1986 (My parents joined when I was in 3rd grade and I’ve never left!)

Michele has been involved with a number of ministries over the years, beginning with serving as a Peer Minister at Saint Helen as a teenager. She is a Eucharistic Minister and finds joy in assisting in the celebration of Mass for fellow parishioners. Michele and her family enjoy participating in Saint Helen family events and her daughters are very involved in the church, as well. Michele has also taken part in the Christlife Series, which was a truly inspiring experience and deepened her faith.

Town: Cranford
Family: Married; one child

Occupation: Data Manager 

Parish Member Since: 2021

Jeff’s journey of faith began at St. Ephrem’s parish in Dyker Heights Brooklyn, where he received his sacraments and attended grade school. He then went on to attend Xaverian High School which continued to shape his relationship with God and strengthen his commitment to his Catholic faith. He and his family began attending Saint Helen after the pandemic had begun to settle, with his son starting at Kids Corner. His involvement with the parish has increased as his son is moving through the religious education program. Recently, he attended the Stepping Stones gathering, a program for First Communion families, which has helped to reinforce strong bonds with his faith that he hopes to impart to current and future generations. He looks forward to growing with the parish in his continued support for this wonderful community.

Town: Cranford

Family: Married; three children

Occupation: Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Investor 

Parish Member Since: 2011

Chris moved to Cranford from the city in 2011 and found his spiritual home at Saint Helen. With his wife, Melissa, Chris looks forward to raising their three young boys in the same nurturing Catholic environment he grew up in. He has been a part of Cornerstone as a candidate and team member. His family participates in various events at Saint Helen. He feels privileged to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking parish community.

Town: Springfield

Occupation: Renal Nurse Manager

Parish Member Since: 2000

Nancy became a member of Saint Helen after going through the RCIA Program 25 years ago. During the RCIA Program she knew Saint Helen was the parish that she wanted to be a part of. Nancy has been a Cornerstone candidate, Team member, Director of Cornerstone 32, Core Team member and will be the Core Rep for Cornerstone 36. She also has served as a Table Leader for Walking with Purpose. She is a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Nursing Home Ministry, bringing the Eucharist to residents of a nursing home.

Town: Westfield

Family: Married; three children

Occupation: Retired Executive Director of the Westfield United Fund 

Parish Member Since: 1993

Deirdre and her family moved to Westfield in August 1993 and joined Saint Helen right away. They were immediately drawn to the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by Msgr. Jim Burke and the rest of the staff. Deirdre began to get more involved a few years later by teaching religious education classes, which she continued to do for the next 14 years. She attended Cornerstone in 1998 and served on the team afterwards, which was a life-changing experience. She also Co-Chaired the Time, Talent and Treasure campaign, served on the Finance Committee, and Co-Chaired the fundraising committee for the new church. Deirdre has participated in many small groups over the years, and has found them to be an important part of her faith journey. She enjoys being a Lector and singing along with our excellent Music Ministry.

Town: Mountainside

Family: Married; one child

Occupation: Owner of Patricia & Paul Artisans of Fine Oils and Balsamics

Parish Member Since: 2012

Patricia is an active member of the faith community, dedicated to serving others through various ministries. Having participated in Cornerstone 23 and later joining Cornerstone Team 24, Patricia continues to foster spiritual growth and fellowship. Patricia has also participated in the Christlife series, deepening her faith and sharing it with others. Committed to guiding others on their faith journey, Patricia, along with her husband, has led small groups in their home, providing a welcoming space for discussion and prayer. As a Eucharistic Minister and Sacristan, Patricia assists in the celebration of the Mass, ensuring a reverent and meaningful liturgical experience. Additionally, her work in the Funeral Ministry offers comfort and support to grieving families, reflecting her compassion and commitment to service.

Town: Westfield

Family: Married; four children

Occupation: Preschool Assistant Teacher

Parish Member Since: 2017

Erin has always been an active member of her church and community, whether it was serving as a Eucharistic Minister, volunteering at a homeless shelter, working at Catholic Charities or at the Ronald McDonald House in Chicago, where she and her husband lived for 18 years prior to moving to Westfield. Since joining Saint Helen, her four children have been active in the religious education program, volunteering in Kids Corner and Children’s Liturgy of the Word, serving as altar servers, and singing with the Hummingbirds Choir. Now that they are getting a bit older, Erin is looking forward to having time to get involved even more at Saint Helen and to deepen her faith. What drew Erin and her family to Saint Helen was the sense of community and feeling like they were “home.” It is a place where her family can find at least one hour of quiet and calmness in their otherwise busy schedules each week to devote to their relationship with God.

Town: Westfield

Family: Married; one child

Occupation: Ph.D. Research Chemist

Parish Member Since: 2001

Tony’s spiritual journey was accelerated when he took the opportunity to become his son’s religious education teacher. Tony began volunteering as an adult chaperone for the Freshman Confirmation retreats, then participated as an adult team member on the Jr/Sr Youth Ministry retreat. Tony attended the Cornerstone 19 retreat and then joined the Cornerstone Team 20 and became the Director for Cornerstone 21. He was also inspired by Fr. Jim Bouffard to become a Eucharistic Minister. Tony has participated in the Christlife series, leads a men’s LifeLine during Advent and Lent, and is a member of the Hospitality ministry. Maintaining work, life and spiritual balance can be challenging, but having a loving family and church community keeps him grounded.

Town: Westfield

Family: Married; two children

Occupation: Senior Pharmaceutical Safety Associate

Parish Member Since: 2007

Sherrie has been involved in several Saint Helen ministries over the years, including Women’s Cornerstone, soup kitchen, parish outreach, Adoration and prayer partner. Sherrie had the opportunity to attend the Christlife series which helped her grow in her faith.  She was first drawn to the warmth and hospitality of the parishioners of Saint Helen, and she is happy to be a part of this friendly, faith-filled community.

Town: Westfield 

Student 

Parish Member Since: 2008

David is a junior peer minister and one of the newest members of the Pastoral Council. He has been a parishioner at Saint Helen since birth. David is currently active in the peer ministry program and serves as a Lector.

Town: Scotch Plains

Family: Married; three children, three stepchildren
Occupation: Realtor

Parish Member Since: 1985

Ellen has been a member of the Parish Community of Saint Helen for the past 40 years. Her children received their sacraments at Saint Helen and she served as a religious education teacher for many years. She has been a team leader on Cornerstone retreats and has served as leader of the Cornerstone Core Committee. She works closely with our Pastor to bring Mission Speakers to the community on an annual basis. She is also a member of several ministries serving others at St Helen. Among her various ministries, Ellen is a Eucharistic Minister, part of the Kids Corner team and is involved in the soup kitchen, Baptism Ministry, LifeLines, OCIA, as well as Called and Gifted. Ellen recently brought the women’s bible study program, Walking with Purpose, to Saint Helen. As a certified Spiritual Director, Ellen helps individuals on their faith journeys and leads retreats in and outside the parish.

Town: Westfield

Family: Married; one child

Occupation: Retired Pension Investment Analyst

Parish Member Since: 2007

Kristin’s love of Christ was rekindled and deepened when she attended the Christlife series and Cornerstone weekend at Saint Helen. These inspired her to serve as Religious Education teacher for six years during her daughter’s elementary school years. Kristin has also participated in the Called & Gifted program, shared faith with small groups, and has served on the St. Helen Service Auction committee. She is currently a member of the LifeLines ministry. Her favorite memories of being a St. Helen parishioner are celebrating her daughter’s First Holy Communion sacrament Mass, watching a close friend join the Catholic faith at Easter Vigil Mass, and sharing in the dedication ceremony for the new church in 2021.

Town: Westfield

Student

Parish Member Since: 2010

Emily is a junior peer minister and one of the newest members of the Pastoral Council. Emily has been a parishioner at Saint Helen since she moved to Westfield more than 14 years ago. She has been a participant and leader in the Saint Helen youth ministry program and received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at Saint Helen. She is currently active in the peer ministry program, has assisted with the Children’s Liturgy of the Word and participated for the first time in the 2025 passion play! Emily has helped plan many youth activities and retreats for the parish. She is looking forward to completing her peer ministry experience at Saint Helen and continuing to guide the 10th graders as they prepare for their upcoming Confirmation.